Care for your neighborhood's animals as an expert in the grooming, healing, and training of Sims 2: Pets. As the only veterinarian in the area, you must construct and customize a pet care center for your practice. By treating the ailments of various furry friends, you will gain experience and unlock special items. You can stock your center with your own companions by selecting such dog and cat breeds as beagle, spaniel, tabby, Siamese, and more, through the adoption service on your Sim's phone or by customizing existing selections to create a unique animal. After you have made your selection, you can pamper your pet with a variety of accessories including toys, beds, dishes, and more, or take your friend to the park for some socializing.

Pets have wants and requirements similar to your human Sims, including social and playtime wants, needs like food, something to chew, a scratchable surface, a place to potty, and time to rest. Just as in real life, it is your Sim's responsibility to keep a pet happy by feeding and watering it, playing with it, showing it love, going to the park, or teaching it tricks such as sit, stay, and fetch. Animals also need to be disciplined from time to time, for actions such as chewing a favorite shoe or scratching up the couch, but with the right training, a chew toy, and a scratching post, those irritating habits should no longer affect your belongings. You may connect to a second DS and trade items back and forth from your Sim's inventory.